Master the Art of Pillow Couture: A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing Ruffles

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Do you want to add a touch of elegance and charm to your home decor? Look no further than sewing ruffles onto your pillows! This simple yet effective technique can transform a plain pillow into a statement piece. Whether you’re new to sewing or an experienced crafter, learning how to sew ruffles on a pillow is a fun and rewarding project. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to create beautiful ruffled pillows that will elevate the style of any room. So dust off your sewing machine and get ready to add some texture and personality to your throw pillows!

Types of Ruffles for Pillows

When it comes to sewing ruffles on a pillow, there are various types of ruffles that you can choose from. Each type can provide a different and unique look to your pillow. Depending on the style and aesthetic you are going for, you may want to consider the following types of ruffles for your pillow:

1. Gathered Ruffle

The gathered ruffle is the most common and easiest type of ruffle to sew onto a pillow. It involves creating small pleats along the fabric strip, which are then sewn onto the edge of the pillow. The result is a soft and full-looking ruffle that adds volume and texture to your pillow.

To create a gathered ruffle, start by measuring and cutting a strip of fabric that is at least two times longer than the length of the edge where you want to attach the ruffle. Then, sew a basting stitch along one side of the strip, leaving long thread tails at both ends. Pull one end of the thread tail to gather and adjust the fabric until it reaches your desired fullness. Once satisfied with the gathered look, pin it in place on the edge of your pillow and sew it down using a straight stitch.

2. Tiered Ruffle

If you want to add more dimension and layers to your pillow, then consider sewing on a tiered ruffle. This type involves attaching multiple layers or tiers of gathered fabric strips onto the edge of your pillow.

To create a tiered ruffle, you will need three strips of fabric in different lengths but with the same width. The longest strip should be about three times longer than your desired finished length for your ruffle. Then follow the same steps as creating a gathered ruffle, but this time attach each tier above each other on the edge of the pillow, with the longest tier on the bottom.

3. Box Pleat Ruffle

For a more structured and tailored look, you can opt for a box pleat ruffle. This type of ruffle involves creating evenly spaced folds or pleats along the fabric strip, giving it a crisp and clean appearance.

To create a box pleat ruffle, start by measuring and cutting a fabric strip in your desired width. Then, fold and press the fabric along each edge to create creases at regular intervals. Next, fold each crease in opposite directions to create the box pleats, making sure to keep them evenly spaced out. Once all folds are in place, secure them with pins or baste along the top edge. Finally, attach the ruffle onto your pillow using a straight stitch.

Choosing the Right Fabric for Sewing Ruffles

The type of fabric you choose for your ruffles can greatly impact their overall look and effect on your pillow. Some fabrics may drape better than others or hold their shape more effectively. Here are some fabrics that work well for sewing ruffles on pillows:

  • Cotton – This is a popular choice as it is lightweight and easy to handle when creating different types of ruffles.
  • Linen – A lightweight yet sturdy fabric that can give your ruffles a slightly more structured look.
  • Silk – This luxurious fabric drapes beautifully and can add an elegant touch to your pillow ruffles.
  • Tulle – Perfect for creating soft and delicate looking ruffles that add a touch of whimsy to your pillow.

When choosing your fabric, make sure it is at least twice as long as the length of the edge you want to attach it to. Also consider factors such as color, pattern, and texture to ensure that the fabric complements your pillow and desired aesthetic.

Tips for Sewing Ruffles on a Pillow

Sewing ruffles on a pillow may seem like a daunting task, but with some tips and tricks, you can achieve beautiful and professional results:

1. Stay stitch the edge of the pillow

Before attaching the ruffle, it is essential to reinforce and stabilize the edge of your pillow by stay stitching. This involves sewing a straight stitch along the edge of the fabric to prevent it from stretching or distorting while attaching the ruffle.

2. Use markings as a guide

To ensure even placement and spacing while sewing your ruffle, you can use markings as a guide. This can be done by marking points along the edge of the pillow where you want your ruffle to start and end, as well as where you want any pleats or folds to be placed.

3. Always gather longer strips than necessary

It’s always better to have more fabric than not enough when creating gathered or tiered ruffles. This ensures that you have enough material to work with and adjust accordingly for your desired fullness.

Sewing ruffles on a pillow is a great way to add texture and visual interest to your home decor. Ruffles are versatile, as they can be added to pillows of any size, shape, or style. They can also be made from a variety of fabrics, giving you endless options for customization. Sewing ruffles on a pillow may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve professional-looking results. In this guide, we will take you through step-by-step instructions on how to sew ruffles on a pillow.

Choosing Your Fabric

The first step in sewing ruffles on a pillow is choosing the right fabric. While any fabric can be used for ruffles, some types work better than others. Lightweight and medium-weight fabrics with good drape, such as cotton voile, muslin, chiffon, and silk are ideal choices for achieving soft and flowy ruffles. If you want more structured and defined ruffles, opt for heavier fabrics like cotton twill or denim.

When considering the color and pattern of your fabric for the ruffles, think about how it will complement or contrast with the rest of your pillow’s design. Ruffles are eye-catching accents that should add interest to your pillow without overpowering it. Keep in mind that larger patterns with bold colors may create too much visual tension when used as ruffles; instead, opt for smaller prints or solid colors.

Calculating The Amount Of Fabric Needed

Before cutting your fabric into strips for the ruffles, you need to determine how many strips you will need based on the size of your pillow insert. To start with this calculation, measure the circumference (perimeter) of your pillow insert; then use this formula: circumference divided by two equals one strip’s length.

For example: If your insert’s circumference is 40 inches, then each strip’s length should be 20 inches. Keep in mind that ruffles require more fabric than the pillow’s actual measurement since it will have pleats and gathers taking up extra fabric. As a general rule of thumb, multiply the length of each strip by two or three depending on the style and size of your ruffles.

Cutting and Hemming The Strips

Once you have determined the number and length of strips, proceed to cut them out. To achieve consistency in your ruffles’ width, use a rotary cutter and mat instead of scissors to cut your strips. Then, fold one edge of each strip twice toward its wrong side (1/4 inch for a small-sized ruffle or 1/2 inch for larger ones), press with an iron, and then stitch along the folded edge.

This process is known as hemming. Hemming prevents fraying at the edges of your strips while also giving them a clean, professional finish. You can hem both edges if you prefer a neater look or just one edge if time is a constraint.

Gathering The Strips

To create ruffles, you need to gather the strips first. Gathering refers to gently pulling on one thread (usually from the lower thread) on your sewing machine to create tiny folds along the length of the fabric. These folds make up your ruffles! Make sure to secure the other end of your thread to keep it from slipping out.

Adjust your tension settings on your machine according to how tightly you want your ruffles gathered; tighter tension for more gathers and looser tension for fewer gathers.

Attaching The Ruffles To The Pillow Cover

Now that you have created your ruffles, it is time to attach them to your pillow cover! Start by placing your pillow cover right side up on a flat surface and arrange your ruffled strips across it in the desired pattern. You can play around with different configurations, such as overlapping the edges of one ruffle over another or having each ruffle sit below the previous one.

Once you have the placement figured out, use pins to hold the ruffles in place on your pillow cover before sewing. Now, starting at one end of your first ruffle, stitch it to your pillow’s front side, using a straight stitch and stitching as close as possible to the top edge of your hem (and above the gathered thread), removing pins as you go.

Repeat this process for each ruffle until all are attached to your pillow cover. If you prefer a more secure attachment, you can stitch along both edges of each ruffle.

Finishing Touches

Once you have attached all of your ruffles to your pillow cover, remove any visible basting stitches you used for gathering threads and trim any excess thread or fabric that may be sticking out. Now, voila! You have successfully sewn ruffles onto your pillow!

To finish off, stuff your pillow insert into the cover and fluff it up to distribute the filling evenly. Your new statement piece is now complete!

Cleaning Your R

1. What supplies do I need to sew ruffles on a pillow?

To sew ruffles on a pillow, you will need fabric, thread, pins, scissors, a sewing machine (or needle and thread), and an iron for pressing.

2. How long should the ruffles be for a pillow?

The length of your ruffles will depend on the size of your pillow and personal preference. A good rule of thumb is to cut the fabric 2-3 times longer than the final desired length.

3. Should I use a specific type of fabric for my ruffles?

It is recommended to use lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen for your ruffles. Avoid using heavy fabrics as they can weigh down the pillow and make it look uneven.

4. Do I need to hem the edges of my ruffles before sewing them onto the pillow?

It is not necessary to hem the edges of your ruffles before sewing them onto the pillow. However, if you are using a fraying fabric, it may be beneficial to hem them to prevent unraveling.

5. Can I attach the ruffles by hand instead of using a sewing machine?


6. Is there a specific technique for attaching ruffles onto a round-shaped pillow?


In conclusion, sewing ruffles on a pillow is a fun and creative way to add texture and personality to your home decor. With the right tools and techniques, this project can be easily accomplished by beginners and experienced sewers alike.

First and foremost, it is important to gather all necessary materials such as fabric, thread, scissors, and measuring tools. Next, follow the step-by-step guide of measuring, cutting, and sewing the ruffles onto the pillow cover. Remember to use pins or basting stitches for precision and to secure the ruffles in place before sewing.

One important aspect of sewing ruffles on a pillow is selecting the appropriate fabric. Choosing lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen will give a more delicate look while using heavy fabrics like velvet or wool will create more dramatic ruffles. Additionally, experimenting with different sizes and lengths of ruffles can also add dimension to the pillow.

Aside from style and aesthetic, it is crucial to pay attention to ensuring that the ruffles are sewn evenly and securely onto the pillow cover. This can be achieved by taking time in measuring and pinning the ruffles in place before sewing.

Moreover, this project provides an opportunity for personalization as one can choose from different types of stitches such as straight stitch or decorative stitches for a

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.